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Topic:Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary medicine for horses encompasses the study and application of medical practices to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases in equine species. This field involves a comprehensive understanding of equine anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Veterinary practitioners employ a range of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions to address health issues in horses, including lameness, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, and infectious diseases. Preventative care, such as vaccination and deworming programs, is also a significant aspect of equine veterinary medicine. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various aspects of veterinary medicine as it pertains to horses, including advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and preventive health strategies.
Evidence for vascular and enzymatic events in the pathophysiology of acute laminitis: which pathway is responsible for initiation of this process in horses? To date, there is a substantial amount of data to support the hypotheses that vascular and enzymatic changes are ongoing in experimental laminitis. Furthermore, there is substantial in vitro evidence that the enzymatic changes weaken the dermo-epidermal attachments leading to mechanical failure of the hoof-bone interface of the equine digit. However, investigators of both the vascular and enzymatic theories have, to date, been unable to substantiate the effects of these pathophysiological changes in vivo on laminar tissues of horses afflicted with experimentally induced or naturally acquired l...
Clinical West Nile virus infection in 2 horses in western Canada. Two horses had a history of ataxia and weakness or recumbency. One recovered and was diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV) infection by serologic testing. The other was euthanized; it had meningoencephalomyelitis, WNV was detected by polymerase chain reaction. West Nile virus infection is an emerging disease. Year 2002 is the first year in which cases have been seen in Saskatchewan. Deux chevaux présentaient une histoire d’ataxie et de faiblesse ou de décubitus. Un cheval s’est rétabli et un diagnostic d’infection au virus du Nil occidental (VNO) a été posé par épreuve sérologiqu...
Sirius red is able to selectively stain eosinophil granulocytes in bovine, ovine and equine cervical tissue. The aim of the present study was to examine the suitability of sirius red staining for selective light microscopic demonstration of eosinophil granulocytes in cervical tissue of mares, cows and sheep. For this purpose, tissue was fixed in 4% neutral buffered formol or in Bouin's solution. Paraffin sections of 5-microm thickness were stained with sirius red. In cows, mares and sheep a selective distinction of eosinophilic infiltration is successful after both fixation methods.
Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin–specific markers of lymphatic vessels in the skin? Monoclonal antibodies against Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin were tested for their suitability as specific markers of lymphatic vessels. The tissue samples were taken from horse skin in an attempt to establish the horse as a model for human lymphatic diseases. To obtain a clear, positive identification of blood and lymphatic vessels, immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) and platelet endothelial adhesion molecule (PECAM-1, CD31), was compared with Desmoplakin and Plakoglobin. Because anti-VEGFR-3 is specific for lymphatic vess...
Evaluation of a sensor-based system of motion analysis for detection and quantification of forelimb and hind limb lameness in horses. To compare a sensor-based accelerometer-gyroscopic (A-G) system with a video-based motion analysis system (VMAS) technique for detection and quantification of lameness in horses. Methods: 8 adult horses. Methods: 2 horses were evaluated once, 2 had navicular disease and were evaluated before and after nerve blocks, and 4 had 2 levels of shoe-induced lameness, alternatively, in each of 4 limbs. Horses were instrumented with an accelerometer transducer on the head and pelvis, a gyroscopic transducer on the right forelimb and hind feet, and a receiver-transmitter. Signals from the A-G system were...
Effect of carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronate solutions on jejunal healing in horses. To compare a double-layer inverting anastomosis with a single-layer appositional anastomosis, coated with either 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) or 0.4% sodium hyaluronate (HA) solutions, in the small intestine of horses with respect to anastomotic healing and adhesion formation. Methods: 18 adult horses. Methods: Midline celiotomy and end-to-end jejunal anastomoses were performed. In control group horses (n = 6), a double-layer inverting anastomosis coated with sterile lactated Ringer's solution was performed. In treatment group horses, a single-layer appositional anastomosis was perf...
Effects of enteral and intravenous fluid therapy, magnesium sulfate, and sodium sulfate on colonic contents and feces in horses. To assess changes in systemic hydration, concentrations of electrolytes in plasma, hydration of colonic contents and feces, and gastrointestinal transit in horses treated with IV fluid therapy or enteral administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium sulfate (NaSO4), water, or a balanced electrolyte solution. Methods: 7 horses with fistulas in the right dorsal colon (RDC). Methods: In a crossover design, horses alternately received 1 of 6 treatments: no treatment (control); IV fluid therapy with lactated Ringer's solution; or enteral administration of MgSO4, Na2SO4, water, or a balanced e...
Assessment of apoptosis in epidermal lamellar cells in clinically normal horses and those with laminitis. To determine and compare the number, type, location, and distribution of apoptotic epidermal cells in the laminae of clinically normal horses and horses with laminitis. Methods: Formalin-fixed samples of digital lamellar tissue from 47 horses (including clinically normal horses [controls; n = 7], horses with acute [4] and chronic [7] naturally acquired laminitis, and horses with black walnut extract-induced [11] or carbohydrate overload-induced [18] laminitis). Methods: Blocks of paraffin-embedded lamellar tissues were stained for DNA fragmentation with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferas...
Comparison of two laparoscopic treatments for experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in pony foals. To compare laparoscopic dissection with-laparoscopic dissection combined with abdominal instillation of ferric hyaluronate gel for the treatment of experimentally induced adhesions in pony foals. Methods: 12 healthy pony foals. Methods: A serosal abrasion method was used to create adhesions at 4 sites on the jejunum (day 0). At day 7 laparoscopy was performed and the adhesions observed in each foal were recorded. In group-1 foals (n = 6), the adhesions were separated laparoscopically (treatment 1). In group-2 foals (n = 6), 300 mL of 0.5% ferric hyaluronate gel was infused into the abdomen aft...
Antimicrobial susceptibility of equine and environmental isolates of Clostridium difficile. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 50 Clostridium difficile isolates, 36 of them from horse feces and 14 from environmental sites, was determined by broth microdilution. The antimicrobial agents tested were avilamycin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, neomycin, oxacillin, oxytetracycline, penicillin, spiramycin, streptomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, and virginiamycin. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC 16 microg/ml), oxytetracycline (MIC >/=32 microg/ml), spiramycin (MIC > 16 microg/ml), and virginiamycin (MIC 8-16 mi...
An assessment of equine cartilage degeneration. Millions of Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and subchondral bone sclerosis. However, little is known about its pathology. It remains to be discovered which comes first in the progression of osteoarthritis: subchondral bone remodeling or cartilage degeneration. This study assessed equine cartilage degeneration, based upon measurements of cartilage thickness and Indian ink stain uptake. By gaining a greater understanding of the determining factors in cartilage degeneration, we may be able to better understand the pathomechanics of oste...
Modulation of the cytokine responses in equine macrophages following TACE-inhibition. The detrimental effects of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha during equine acute abdominal disease are well known. Its pivotal role in many human diseases has led to various in-depth studies regarding its release mechanism, in particular by TNF-alpha converting enzyme (TACE). In this study we investigated the inhibitory effect of a TACE-inhibitor on cytokine release (TNF-alpha, IL-1alpha and IL-6) in three different cell models, including U937 cells, a recently established equine macrophage cell line, known as eCAS, and primary equine PBMC. The aim was to show the similarity of TNF-alpha...
The mare reproductive loss syndrome and the eastern tent caterpillar: a toxicokinetic/statistical analysis with clinical, epidemiologic, and mechanistic implications. During 2001, central Kentucky experienced acute transient epidemics of early and late fetal losses, pericarditis, and unilateral endophthalmitis, collectively referred to as mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS). A toxicokinetic/statistical analysis of experimental and field MRLS data was conducted using accelerated failure time (AFT) analysis of abortions following administration of Eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs; 100 or 50 g/day or 100 g of irradiated caterpillars/day) to late-term pregnant mares. In addition, 2001 late-term fetal loss field data were used in the analysis. Experimental dat...
Effects of epidural opioid analgesics on heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, and behavior in horses. Heart rate, arterial blood pressures, respiratory rate, body temperature, and central nervous system excitement were compared before and after epidural administration of morphine (0.1 mg/kg), butorphanol (0.08 mg/kg), alfentanil (0.02 mg/kg), tramadol (1.0 mg/kg), the k-opioid agonist U50488H (0.08 mg/kg), or sterile water using an incomplete Latin square crossover design in five conscious adult horses. Treatments were administered into the first intercoccygeal epidural space. Significant (P <.05) reductions in respiratory rate were detected after epidural administration of morphine, alfent...
Detection, quantification, metabolism, and behavioral effects of selegiline in horses. Selegiline ([R]-[-]N,alpha-dimethyl-N-2- propynylphenethylamine or l-deprenyl), an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, is a classic antidyskinetic and antiparkinsonian agent widely used in human medicine both as monotherapy and as an adjunct to levodopa therapy. Selegiline is classified by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) as a class 2 agent, and is considered to have high abuse potential in racing horses. A highly sensitive LC/MS/MS quantitative analytical method has been developed for selegiline and its potential metabolites amphetamine and methamphetamine...
Assessment of subchondral bone mineral density in equine metacarpophalangeal and stifle joints. Functional relationships between articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone have been shown to be associated with the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). However, quantifiable factors substantiating this relationship do not exist. Therefore, the study objective involved quantifying subchondral bone mineral density (BMD) of the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and stifle joints as a step in determining if regional subchondral BMD may be associated with OA changes. BMD was bilaterally quantified using dual energy xray absorptiometry (DEXA) for four subchondral regions: palmer and dorsal...
Field evaluation of moxidectin/praziquantel oral gel in horses. The safety and efficacy of 2% moxidectin/12.5% praziquantel oral gel administered at a rate of 0.4 mg moxidectin and 2.5 mg praziquantel/kg was studied in client-owned horses under field use conditions. Four hundred horses (300 treated with moxidectin/praziquantel oral gel and 100 treated with vehicle) were enrolled, feces were collected, and eggs were counted. Investigators as well as horse owners were masked to treatment assignment. No adverse reactions to treatment were observed in any horses. Moxidectin/praziquantel gel reduced Anoplocephala spp by more than 99% and provided a significant ...
Field efficacy of ivermectin plus praziquantel oral paste against naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes and cestodes of horses in North America and Europe. The efficacy of an oral formulation of ivermectin plus praziquantel in the reduction of nematode and cestode egg counts in horses was assessed in 273 horses under field conditions at 15 sites in North America (n = 6) and Europe (n = 9). Horses were confirmed by fecal examination to have natural infections of strongyles (100%) and tapeworms (76%). Replicates of four horses were formed at each site, and in each replicate three animals received ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg body weight) plus praziquantel (1 mg/kg body weight) oral paste and one animal remained untreated or received vehicle paste. Fecal s...
Equine cardiovascular pathology: an overview. The few data collections that evaluate the involvement of organ systems in horse diseases are in agreement that the locomotor, gastrointestinal and nervous systems are the sites of primary disease in the vast majority of sick horses. When compared with diseases of these organ systems, equine cardiovascular diseases occur infrequently. The most detailed and comprehensive survey of equine cardiac pathology was reported in 1972 by Else and Holmes, who summarized the gross and microscopic cardiac findings from 1500 abattoir horses. This paper reviews the pathology of the cardiovascular diseases ty...
Effect of furosemide on urine specific gravity and osmolality in thoroughbred racehorses. Postrace urine samples from thoroughbred horses were examined to compare osmolality and specific gravity between horses treated with furosemide and those not treated. Samples were assigned to groups in relation to reported medication (furosemide) status, race finish position, and distance of race. Urine osmolality was significantly (P <.05) lower in samples from horses treated with furosemide when compared with untreated horses. Specific gravity determinations are less precise at measuring urine osmolality at lower levels (1.01 g/ml or less). The measurement of osmolality is a superior meth...
Identification and differentiation of avirulent and virulent Rhodococcus equi using selective media and colony blotting DNA hybridization to determine their concentrations in the environment. Selective agar media have been used for many years to facilitate the isolation of Rhodococcus equi from environmental and clinical samples. However, characterisation of R. equi still requires the use of immunochemical or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to differentiate between virulent and avirulent isolates. Here, we describe a novel method to detect and differentiate between R. equi isolates using colony blotting and DNA hybridization. Radiolabelled PCR product derived from the R. equi rrnA gene and specific hybridization conditions enabled differentiation of colonies of R. equi fro...
Detection, quantification, and pharmacokinetics of furosemide and its effects on urinary specific gravity following IV administration to horses. Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic used for the prevention of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses. This drug may interfere with the detection of other substances by reducing urinary concentrations, so its use is strictly regulated. The regulation of furosemide in many racing jurisdictions is based on paired limits of urinary SG (100 ng/ml). To validate this regulatory mechanism, a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method employing a solid-phase extraction procedure and furosemide-d5 as an internal standard was developed. The method was used to determine th...
Summer pheasant’s eye (Adonis aestivalis) poisoning in three horses. Three horses died as a result of eating grass hay containing summer pheasant's eye (Adonis aestivalis L.), a plant containing cardenolides similar to oleander and foxglove. A 9-year-old thoroughbred gelding, a 20-year-old appaloosa gelding, and a 5-year-old quarter horse gelding initially presented with signs of colic 24-48 hours after first exposure to the hay. Gastrointestinal gaseous distension was the primary finding on clinical examination of all three horses. Two horses became moribund and were euthanatized 1 day after first showing clinical signs, and the third horse was euthanatized af...
Helcococcus ovis isolated from a pulmonary abscess in a horse. Helcococcus ovis, a recently described organism cultured from sheep, was isolated in pure culture from a pulmonary abscess in a horse. This is the first report of this organism in horses and the first report in veterinary medicine to clearly demonstrate a pathogenic role for this organism.
Benign fibrous histiocytoma of prepuce in the mule. Here we present a case of preputial benign fibrous histiocytoma in a 7-year-old mule. This case was treated surgically. Pathologic analysis and diagnosis of these lesions were based on a combination of light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Histologically, the tumour was composed primarily of a storiform pattern of fibroblastic and poligonal cells. In immunohistochemistry, except for consistent immunoreactivity for vimentin, nearly all tumour cells were positive for CD68, S-100 protein, pan-cytokeratin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and desmin. Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the prepuce in mu...
Risk of fatal distal limb fractures among Thoroughbreds involved in the five types of racing in the United Kingdom. The risk of fatal distal limb fractures in thoroughbreds racing in the UK was calculated and shown to vary considerably between the different types of race. Flat turf racing was associated with the lowest risk (0.4 per 1000 starts) and national hunt flat racing was associated with the highest risk (2.2 per 1000 starts). The types of fracture were classified by detailed radiographic and postmortem examinations of all the cases recorded over two years, and the distribution of the different types of fracture in the five main types of racing was examined. Overall, lateral condylar fractures of the...
Equine seminal plasma reduces sperm binding to polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and improves the fertility of fresh semen inseminated into inflamed uteri. Seminal plasma (SP) is known to have immunosuppressive properties in several species. Equine SP has been reported to reduce or inhibit chemotaxis, phagocytosis and complement activity in vitro. The type and amount of the SP component that suppresses sperm-polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) binding in vitro was determined, and the effect of such suppression on the fertility of mares inseminated in the presence of uterine inflammation, was analyzed. Sperm cells were suspended in either SP, semen extender or a mixture of both, and each was mixed with PMN-rich uterine secretions collected at 12 h ...
[Idiopathic gastric rupture in a Friesian foal]. Acute idiopathic gastric rupture resulted in sudden death of a 4.5-months-old healthy Friesian foal. No morphological lesions were present which could explain the preceding gastric impaction. In this case hypodypsia may have been (partially) responsible for the impaction as only a mechanical drinking apparatus, unsuitably for horses, was available.
